FAYETTEVILLE — Fans will not be allowed to attend the 2021 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, which are scheduled to be hosted by the University of Arkansas March 12-13 at the Randal Tyson Center, according to a report by the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Cross Country committee.
The decision to exclude fans is because of safety protocols related to the continuing coronavirus pandemic.
The committee, according to the report, voted unanimously to exclude fans from attending the national indoor championships based on venue capacity restrictions, physical distancing requirements and ensuring groups of individuals who have tested negative for covid-19 avoid contact with those who haven’t been tested.
Athletes will be restricted to specific areas of the Randal Tyson Center based on the events in which they’re competing, and once an athlete’s event is completed, he or she must leave the venue.
There also will be no practice days at the Randal Tyson Center and no individual or relay awards presented — only the team championship trophies.
The committee also voted there will be no fans allowed at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, which are scheduled to be held March 15 in Stillwater, Okla.